Cosmetic Dentistry overview

Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that is focused on improving the appearance of a person’s smile. From replacing lost teeth to fixing a crooked smile, cosmetic dentistry offers a wide variety of procedures that can improve the appearance of patients’ smiles.

Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

Cosmetic dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is about making your smile look its best through treatments including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and composite bonding. While restorative dentistry is about helping patients maintain healthy smiles through services such as periodontal therapy, dental implants, and root canal therapy.

Cosmetic dentistry can do so much for your smile, as it can address things like staining, cracks, chips, and misalignments. However, it cannot replace missing teeth or correct serious oral health issues such as gum disease. In this case, you might consider restorative dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry vs. Orthodontics

Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics both aim to enhance the appearance of your smile, but they work in different ways.

Orthodontics corrects problems with the position of your teeth and jaw. These issues often cause patients to feel self-conscious about their appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of a patient’s teeth. These procedures can include teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental crowns.

Cosmetic dentistry vs. Implants

When it comes to choosing a cosmetic dentistry procedure, you’ll have quite a few options. However, for many people, the choice comes down to dental implants vs. veneers.

Both are effective, and both can help you fix any number of issues you may have with your teeth. However, there are some key differences that set them apart.

For instance, dental implants are permanent, while veneers are a temporary solution.

This makes them ideal for different people. For instance, if you’re missing all of your teeth, you might not want to wear temporary teeth.

Instead, you can opt for dental implants instead. However, if you just want to fix one or two teeth, then veneers are the way to go.

Cosmetic dentistry vs. Crowns

If you’re looking to fix a tooth with a minor chip, crack, or discoloration, a cosmetic dental treatment like dental bonding might be a better choice than a dental crown. Bonding helps restore a small chip in your tooth, or fills in a slightly darker tooth, but dental crowns are needed in order to replace a tooth entirely.

Cosmetic dentistry vs. Veneers

Veneers are a great option for many patients when it comes to restoring their smile. They are thin shells of ceramic that cover a patient’s teeth. They hide imperfections, such as stains, chips, cracks, gaps, and misalignment. Veneers can be used on their own or as part of a cosmetic dentistry plan.

Veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but they need to be checked every few years to make sure they are still in good shape. Veneers are not right for everyone, though.

Cosmetic dentistry vs. Bonding

Cosmetic dentistry procedures involve the use of advanced dental technology. They tend to be costlier than bonding procedures, but they provide a better aesthetic solution.

For example, porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Veneers are applied over the front of teeth to change their appearance. Veneers can cover a variety of aesthetic imperfections, including minor misalignment, discoloration, small chips and cracks, and minor gaps between teeth.

Cosmetic

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a wide variety of procedures designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic issues can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and age. With so many options to choose from, it’s understandably difficult to choose the right cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Consider these factors when choosing a cosmetic dentistry procedure:

1. Time investment

Cosmetic dentistry procedures vary in both time and cost. For example, teeth whitening can take only 30 minutes, while veneers take two to three visits. Consider your budget and schedule before committing to any procedure.